Panthers fire GM Hurney

The Panthers have lost four in a row and are off to a 1-5 start after a 19-14 setback to Dallas on Sunday.

"This was an extremely difficult decision," said Panthers owner Jerry Richardson in a statement Monday. "Marty made every effort to bring success to the Panthers and took the team to a Super Bowl and two NFC championship games. Unfortunately, we have not enjoyed the success we hoped for in recent years. I have the greatest respect and admiration for Marty and will always appreciate the way he tirelessly served the organization."

Hurney had been the club's GM since February 2002 after joining the organization in 1998. He first handled the salary cap for head coaches Dom Capers and George Seifert before his promotion.

"I am very fortunate to have been a part of one of the best organizations in the NFL since 1998," said Hurney. "As general manager I will always regret not helping us win the Super Bowl or having back-to-back winning seasons. I hope this change starts accomplishing the direction to those goals."

There were high expectations for the Panthers heading into this season, with quarterback Cam Newton starting his second year. However, the Panthers have scored more than 14 points just twice in their first six games. Their last three losses have come by a combined 11 points.

"I understand this decision by Mr. Richardson and will always have an extremely close relationship with him," Hurney added. "I consider him the best owner in the NFL. I am responsible for everybody in coaching, the players, the scouts and everybody in football operations. After six weeks, we are 1-5 coming off a 6-10 season."

The Panthers went to the Super Bowl after the 2003 season, Hurney's second as GM, losing to New England. They also reached the NFC Championship Game after the 2005 campaign, falling to Seattle, but have had just one winning season since.

Carolina has failed to reach the postseason in each of the past three years, posting a mark of 16-32 in that span before this year's disastrous start.